WATCH: AP reporter asks State Dept. Spokeswoman if there was a 'group spine-removal procedure' at White House

3 years ago

At yesterday's State Department briefing, spokeswoman Jen Psaki got an exceptionally blunt question from AP reporter Matthew Lee, who was trying to get to the bottom of why President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry are seeking Congress' approval for military action against Syria.

Kerry has said it is "courageous" to go to Congress for approval.

Lee asked Psaki for a more in-depth explanation of Kerry's comment, and he did so in a rather interesting way.

"Was there some kind of, like, group spine-removal procedure op at the White House over the weekend? I don't understand. How is this courageous?" he asked.

Psaki said that the president has the authority to act, but he and Kerry "strongly agree" that having Congress vote on the action "strengthens our case."